Electric motor control for boring, drilling, and milling machines



H. N. STEPHAN 2,686,283 ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTROL FOR BORING, DRILLING, AND MILLING MACHINES Aug. 10, 1954 Filed June 23, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet l I." a I m 10c W gg mmi-IE2 HM I JNVEN TOR. H4205 A. STEP/m 14 rroe/wsya Aug. 10, 1954 H. N. STEPHAN 2,686,283

ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTROL FOR BORING, DRILLING, AND MILLING MACHINES Filed June 25, 1948 Sheets-Sheet 2 II I 5 JJH 1 44/ Z/ 2 4 46 as Q 4a I I I 'ITJ J P I I l l \l I I /-J.Z I 10? i I i 1 16' 11 1 F/G. 2 2 INVENTOR.

#444/5 A. 575mm BY 24: 4 r3 WpMa X/ H. N. STEPHAN ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTROL FOR Aug. 10, 1954 BORING, DRILLING, AND MILLING MACHINES 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 23, 1948 ll/Infill a ar INVENTOR. 5/9105 A. STEP/MN BY 3 l HTTOR/YEYS Aug. 10, 1954 H. N. STEPHAN 2,686,283

ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTROL FOR BORING, DRILLING; AND MILLING MACHINES Filed June 23, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 F /G. 7 INVENTOR.

HALL/s AK 575mm BY W, J2me;

Aug. 10, 1954 STEPHAN 2,686,283

ELECTRIC MOTOR CONTROL FOR BORING, DRILLING, AND

MILLING MACHINES Filed June 23, 1948 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 H4405 A STEP/IAN F/G. 5 W2 Patented Aug. 10, 1954 ELECTRIC MGTOR CO DRILLING, AND M NTROL FOR BORING, ILLIN G MACHINES Hallis N. Stephan, Cleveland Heights, Ohio, as-

signor, by mesne a ssignments, to The New Britain Machine Company, New Britain, Conn., a corporation of Connecticut Application June 23, 1948, Serial No. 34,673

8 Claims. 1

The present invention relates to machine tools and the like and, more particularly, to indexing or positioning mechanism for both angularly and linearly movable, indexible or positionable members.

One of the principal objects of the invention is the provision of novel and improved mechanism for accurately indexing or positioning a machine tool element or other member to a predetermined position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved, power actuated mechanism for accurately indexing a machine tool element or other member to a plurality of successive stop positions att-inable by moving the element or member in one direction.

Another object of the invention is the provision of novel and improved, power actuated mechanism including a photoelectric or light sensitive cell for automatically and accurately indexing or positioning a machine tool element or other member to a predetermined position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved, power actuated mechanism for accurately indexing or positioning a machine tool element or other member to a pre determined position wherein the final positioning of the member is controlled by a photoelectric or light sensitive cell.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved, power actuated mechanism for accurately indexing or positioning a machine tool element or other member to a predetermined position wherein the movement of the member to approximately its final position is controlled by a scale and indicator and to final position by a second scale and indicator.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a novel and improved machine tool or the like including a movable element and power actuated means for accurately indexing or moving the element to a predetermined position.

The invention resides in certain constructions and combinations and arrangements of parts and further objects and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention relates from the following description of the preferred embodiment described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which l is a perspective view or" a work table embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan View of the work table shown in Fig. l, with parts in section, approximately on the line 2-2 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view approximately on the lines 3-5 of Figs. i and 5;

Fig. 4 is a sectional view approximately on the lines 4-4 of Figs. 2 and 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View approximately on the lines 5-5 of Figs. 2 and 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, plan view of a portion of Fig. 2 with parts shown in section and broken away;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view of a part of the table proper; and

Fig. 8 is a wiring diagram of the control mechanism.

Although the invention is applicable to the positioning or indexing of any member which it is desired to move either angularly or linearly to a predetermined position, it is particularly applicable to the indexing of machine tool elements and is herein shown and described as embodied in a work table assembly or unit comprising a power driven, rotatable table member adapted to support a workpiece upon which it is desired to perform a machining operation or a number of machining operations upon diiierent sides thereof.

Referring to the drawings, the reference character it designates a table member rotatably supported by a base H adapted to be detachably bolted or otherwise secured to the work table of a machine tool; for example, a horizontal boring,

drilling and milling machine. The table [0 is rotatably supported upon the base I l by a central pivot assembly, designated generally as l2, and has a plurality of T-slots E3 in its upper surface through the medium of which a workpiece to be machined may be secured thereto.

If desired, the table it] may be clamped to the base H by a split clamp ring I4 provided with internal flanges which engage within suitable grooves in a circular boss i5 projecting from one end of the base H and in the lower part of the table it. As shown, the adjoining surfaces of the groove in the boss l5 and the flange of the clamp ring M which engages therein are tapered so that the table In will be securely clamped to the boss 25 and, in turn, the base it as the ring is contracted. The clamp ring I4 is contracted by a manually operable screw H; which projects through suitable flanges l1, l8 on the adjoining ends of the clamp ring and has right and lefthand threaded engagement therewith. In the embodiment shown, opposite ends of the clamp ring I4 are separated by an index colt mechanism 23; however, this mechanism forms no part of the present invention and is not herein shown or described in detail. Sufiice it to say that the index bolt may be projected into suitable apertures formed in the lower part of the table IE3, if desired, by movement of an operating handle 2!. Neither the clamp ring id nor the index or lock bolt enter into the operation of the table assembly, hereinafter referred to, and are normally disengaged and in inoperative position.

The table Ill is adapted to be moved or rotated in opposite directions by an electric motor 25 detachably connected to the rear side of a transmission case 28 at the rear of the base ii and detachably connected thereto by cap screws Z'l. As shown, the table It is provided with a worm gear 3% bolted to its underside by bolts 3! and spaced therefrom by an annular ring 32. The worm gear 31] is continuously in mesh with a worm 33 keyed to a shaft 3t rotatably supported in suitable bearings in the base I l. The rea end of the shaft 34 is connected by a coupling 35 to the output shaft 36 of the transmission mechanism within the transmission case The mechanism within the transmission case 25 comprises a worm d9 continuously in mesh with a worm gear ti and formed integral upon a shaft d2 rotatably supported in the transmission case by suitable bearings and connected by a coupling as to the armature shaft es of the motor 25. The worm gear i! is keyed to the righthand end of a shaft is and to the left-hand driving sleeve it of a double-acting friction clutch of commercial construction including a shiftable member ll adapted to be shifted to the left, as viewed in Fig. 2, in a manner hereinafter described to connect the driving sleeve 85 with the driven member of the clutch and, in turn, a shaft Q8. The left-hand end of the shaft is rotatably supported in an aperture formed in the right-hand end of the shaft ..5 and the righthand end of the shaft is rota-tably supported in the transmission case 23 by suitable antifriction bearings. The right-hand driving sleeve is keyed to a worm gear 5i rotatabiy supported on the shaft es and is adapted to be operatively connected to the shaft 48 by movement of the clutchengaging member ll toward the right. The clutch shown is a lvlaxitorq floating disk, self locking, double clutch sold by The Carlyle J ohnson Machine Company, 52 Main Street, Manchester, Connecticut, and is shown in Sweets File for Product Designers, 194%, to which reference is made for a more complete disclosure thereof.

The shaft G5 is rotatably supported in the gear case 25 and the left-hand end thereof projects into an enclosure in the end of the gear case and is adapted to be connected by change gears 52, 5-3, 54, 55 to a parallel shaft 55 also rotatably supported in the gear case 23, the right-hand end of which is connected to a transversely extending shaft ill by miter gears 6%, ii i. The shaft 577 has a worm 62 formed integral therewith which is continuously in mesh with the worm gear ii. The construction is such that with the clutchengaging element i? in its neutral position; that is, the position shown in Fig. 2, the worm gear 5i and the driving clutch sleeves as, 55 associated therewith are continuously rotated in op-- posite directions when the motor 25 is in operation and upon the shifting of the clutch-engaging eiement ll to the left or right, the shaft 28 is connected to the driven clutch element for rotation at a relatively fast speed or at a relatively slow speed, respectively. The change gears 52 to 55 are employed to obtain any desired reduction in speed. The shaft 38 is connected to the transversely extending output shaft as by miter gears 65, El, the former of which is keyed to the shaft 38 while the latter is rotatably supported on the end of a transversely fixed shaft 65. The miter gear ha a spur gear '59 fixed to the hub thereof, which gear is in with a spur gear H keyed to the rear end of the output shaft 35.

The clutch engaging and disengaging member 4'! is adapted to be shifted from its neutral position to one or the other of its operati g positions and returned to neutral position by a pair of solenoids l2, '83 located within the transmission case 26 and operatively connected to the rear end of a yoke member 14 by links iii, it, respectively. The yoke member id is pivotally supported by shaft l'l fixed in a boss '18 projecting from the bottom of the transmission case 2E and a cross brace 86 extending acros the top of the transmission case underneath the removable cover thereof. The left-hand end of the transmission case 26 is provided with a removable e d cover 82 which aifords access to the change 55 to 55.

In addition to being rotatable the the table i9 may be rotated by hand sly ing a suitable crank to either end of transversely extending shaft 335 rotatabiy supported in the front end of the base it and connected to the forward end of the shaft 3s by miter gears 83, 8'1. The shaft 85 is preferably provided with the usual dials graduated in degrees fractions thereof.

The control for the motor 25 and the solenoids l2, it includes means for causing the table 553 to move or rotate toward a predeteri lined position at fast or rapid traverse speed, means to reduce the speed of movement as the tab-l reaches the predetermined desired position, and for stopping the table in the desired final osition to within a small fraction of a degree. To this end the periphery of the table it is provided with upper and lower control indications in the form of scales or row of graduatic-ns, designated A and B, respectively, formed by vertical fat, 9|, respectively, cut in the periphery of the table or, more preferably, formed in the periphery of a metal or like band 22 detachably connected to the periphery of the table as by screws which band can be replaced when it is desired to change the graduations.

The upper row of graduations es designate the index positions; that is, the places where it is desired to stop the table. The lower row of graduations ti comprises two graduations located adjacent to each index graduation or position and spaced slightly at each side thereof. fhe lower graduations Qi which are cut into periphery of the table cooperate with a feeler 94 to actuate a toggle type microswitch 95. The feeler as comprises a point member on the end of a pivoted drum 5E connected to a stationary post bolted to the upper surface of the bed i l. The member 55 is connected to the post 'sl by a spring arm 33 fixedly connected to the left-hand end the member cs, as viewed in Fig. 6. The right-hand end of the spring member 95 is clamped between two pieces of metal il'di lfii, the latter of which is fixed to the top of the post 9'5.

The electric switch 35 is carded by an arm 5&2 pivoted to the post El and provided with a rounded end which rides upon the pe of the table iii or band Q2. A spring i tains the rounded end tilt of the contact with the surface of the table.

the point 94 of the feeler drops into one of the graduations Hi, the switch 95 operates to reduce the speed of rotation of the table, in a manner hereinafter further described.

The table i continues to rotate at reduced speed until the next graduation 30 actuates a photoelectric cell to stop the table in the desired position. In order to increase the accuracy within which the photoelectric cell will stop the rotation of the table, the photoelectric cell is preferably operated through a microscope I 05. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the microscope I05 is supported by a bracket I55 connected to the top of the base II and the photoelectric cell is connected to the eyepiece I67 of the microscope. The photoelectric cell, as shown, is connected to the microscope proper by an inclined eyepiece holder I 58 and a conventional eyepiece can be substituted for the assembly I0! to facilitate initial focusing of the telescope. The microscope shown is of commercial construction and includes a vertical illuminator type of light source I31 to increase the light on the periphery of the table I3 which is polished to better reflect the light and the graduations 56 are preferably filled with black, non-reflecting material. The construction is such that when the graduations 55 are centered under the microscope, the light reflected to or reaching the photoelectric cell is reduced sufficiently to operate an electric relay either directly or through an electron or vacuum tube amplifier device. The width of the graduations and the power of the microscope are preferably so chosen that the photoelectric cell operates upon the slightest variation of the graduation from the center of the field of the microscope.

As an alternative construction, the microscope may be carried by member I 02 or a member similar thereto so as to better follow the table in the event there is any eccentricity in the table or some other suitable mounting may be employed to maintain the microscope a predetermined distance from the table.

Referring to the wiring diagram, Fig. 8, the reference characters H5, HI indicate safety switches operatively connected with the table clamp and lock bolt mechanisms, respectively, in such a manner that the switches are open unless the clamp and bolt are released and the table free to rotate. The reference character H2 designates a single throw, four pole, manually operable selection switch which conditions or selects the control for either manual or automatic operation. Rotation of the table It at slow or feed speed or fast or rapid traverse speed in eitherdirection; that is, either toward the right or counterclockwise, or toward the left or clockwise, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, is effected by depressing the slow speed or feed push button switches H3, H4, respectively, or the fast speed or rapid push button switches H5, H6, respectively.

Manual operation If the slow or feed right push button switch H3 is depressed with the table clamp and lock bolt released and the selection switch H2 set for manual operation, any previously established circuit or circuits causing the table IE] to be moved or rotated toward the left; that is, clockwise as viewed in Fig. 2, are broken by the opening of normally closed contacts I I1, I I8 of switch H3 in a manner which will be hereinafter apparent and a circuit will be established from the line H9 of the three phase, alternating current supply lines H9, I20, I2I through clamp safety switch H0, wire I22, bolt safety switch III, wire I23, normally closed contacts I24, 525 of feed left push button switch H4, wire I26, normally closed contacts I21, I28 of fast or rapid traverse left push button switch I I6, wire I29, now closed contacts I35, I3I of feed right push button switch I I3, wire I32, operating solenoid I33 of feed right relay I34, wire I35, and normally closed contacts I36, I31 of overload relay I38, wire I46, normally closed contacts I4I, I42 of overload relay 1' 43 to the line I2I.

Energization of the operating solenoid I33 of feed right relay I34 closes the normally open contacts I45 and 545, I4? and I48, I50 and I5i thereof. The closing of contacts I45, I45 establishes a holding circuit around the feed right push button switch H3 from the wire I29 through normally closed contacts I52, I53 or stop push button switch I54, wire I55, now closed contacts I55, I57 of selector switch H2, wire I33, now closed contacts I45, I46 of relay I34, and operating solenoid I33 to wire l35. This holding circuit maintains the operating solenoid I33 of relay 34 energized even though feed right push button switch H3 is released.

The closing of contacts I 41, I48 of relay 34 establishes a circuit from the line He through the now closed contacts I41, I48, wire I54, operating solenoid I5 2 of motor reverse relay I63, wire I35 and overload relays I38, I43 to line I25. Energization of the operating solenoid I62 of relay I53 closes the normally open contacts thereof I and I65, I61 and I58, I69 and I'lil of motor controller IlI connecting the motor 25 to the lines H9, I23, I2I in such a manner that the motor 25 runs in reverse direction. The motor continues to run until the stop push button switch 54 or one of the feed or rapid left push button switches II 4, H6 is depressed.

Simultaneously with the closing of contacts I41, I48 of feed right relay I34 and the starting of the drive motor 25, the closing of contacts I 55, I5! of the same relay establishes a circuit from the line I I9 through the now closed contacts I53, I5 I, wire I15, normally closed contacts I16, ll! of traverse right relay I78, wire I85, normally closed contacts ISI, I82 of traverse left relay I83, wire I84, and feed solenoid 72 to line I2I operating the clutch-engaging element 14 to connect to slow speed or feed drive to the table It! whereupon the table rotates to the right; that is, in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2. The table It) continues to rotate until either the stop push button switch I54 or one of the feed or rapid left push button switches I I4, I I6 is depressed, breaking the holding or maintaining circuit for feed right relay I 34.

The table to is caused to rotate in the opposite direction; that is, to the left at slow or feed speed by depressing the slow or feed left push button switch H4. The circuits established are similar to those previously referred to. The depressing of feed left push button switch H4 first opens its normally closed contacts I 24, I25 stopping the table if it happens to be rotating in the opposite direction either at feed or rapid speeds and then closes its normally open contacts I90, IQI. The closing of contacts I93, ISI establishes a circuit from the line I 59 through clamp safety switch HI'I, wire I22, bolt safety switch HI, wire I23, normally closed contacts H1, I I8 of feed right push button switch I I3, wire I 92, normally closed contacts I93, I94 of rapid right push button switch H5, wire I95, now closed contacts I93, I9I

of feed left push button switch l [4,wire I96, operating solenoid E9? of feed left relay 2535, wire H35, and overload relays E38, M3 to line 121.

Energization of operating solenoid l9? of left feed relay 2% closes the normally open contacts 28! and 2&2, its and 254, 285 and 2% thereof. The closing of contacts 28 l 2il2 establishes a holding circuit around the feed left push button switch lid from the wire i95 through normally closed contacts 2 i 53, 2 l l of stop push button switch its, wire M2, now closed contacts 213, fi l of selector switch H2, wire 255, now closed contacts 235, 252 of relay Zilil to wire E93. This holding circuit maintains the operating solenoid fill of relay 2% energized even though feed left push button switch i it is released.

The closing of contacts 293, 204 of relay E establishes a circuit from the line H9 through the now' closed contacts 263, 2%, wire 2 l 6, operating solenoid 2i? of motor forward relay 23 8, wire its and overload relays 138, M3 to line l2l. Energization of the operating solenoid 231 of relay 2 it closes the normally open contacts thereof 2223 and 225, 222 and 223, 22s and 225 of motor controller ill connecting the motor to the lines 5 is, are, i2! in such a manner that the motor 25 runs in the forward direction. The motor continues to run until the stop push button switch lot or one of the feed or rapid right push button switches H3, H5 is depressed.

Simultaneously with the closing of contacts 2E3, 284 of feed left relay 2G6 and the starting of the drive motor 25, the closing of contacts 255, 2% of the same relay establishes a circuit from the line i is through the now closed contacts 285, 2%, wire H5, normally closed contacts 57%, ill of rapid right relay 1'58, wire E38, normally closed contacts lei, 582 of rapid left relay I33, wire ltd, and feed clutch solenoid T2 to line 12! operating the clutch engaging element i to connect to slow speed or feed drive to the table It whereupon the table rotates to the left; that is, in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2. The table it continues to rotate until either the stop push button switch 55% or one of the feed or rapid right push button switches l 53, l is is depressed, breaking the holding or maintaining circuit for right feed relay 2%.

The table i8 is caused to rotate to the right at fast or rapid speed by depressing the fast or rapid right push button switch H5 to open its normally ciosed contacts N3, 594 and close its normally open contacts 23%], 23!. The opening of contacts ififa, 5% opens any previously established circuit causing the table to rotate in the opposite direction and the closing of contacts 2%, 23! establishes a circuit from line lie through clamp safety switch Hi3, wire E22, bolt safety switch ill, wire 523, normally closed contacts Ma, 25 of feed left push button switch 1 Hi, wire EEG, normally closed contacts 12?, i2 8 of fast or rapid left push button switch H6, wire E29, now closed contacts 23%, 28! of rapid right push button switch i l5, wire 232, operating solenoid 233 of rapid right relay llii, wire E35, and normally closed contacts Hill, normally closed contacts Ml, it? of overload relay N13 to line l2i.

Energization of the operating solenoid 233 of right traverse relay H8 closes the normally open contacts 23 and 235, 23c and 23?, 2M and 2M thereof. The closing of contacts 23%, 235 establishes a holding circuit around the rapid right push button switch i it from the wire l29 through normally closed contacts i52, MS of stop* push button switch i5l,wire 155, now closed contacts E36, 53': of overload relay i433, wire "8 252, 243 of selector switch 52, wire 2 5 i, now'closed contacts 234, 235 of relay ilB to wire H35. This holding circuit maintains the operating solenoid 233 of relay H8 energized even though rapid right push button switch H5 is released.

The closing of contacts 236, 23? of relay i'lii establishes a circuit from the line iii) through the now closed contacts 238, 23?, wire E55, operating solenoid i62 of motor reverse relay i133, wire we and overload relays 53f, to line 525. Energization of the operating solenoid lei of relay Hi3 closes the normally open contacts thereof E65 and i63 it? and H38, H59 and iii) connecting the motor 2e to the lines i is, fill, i2l in such a manner that Le motor runs in reverse dir ction. The motor continues to run until the stop push button switch its or one of the feed or rapid left push button switches El i, H6 is depressed.

Simultaneously with the closing of contacts 23: 23'! of rapid right relay H8 and the starting of the drive motor 25, the closing of contacts 3 5E, E l! of the same relay establishes a' circuit from the line i it through the now closed contacts are, 2459, wire 2 55 and rapid clutch solenoid E3 to line i2! operating'the clutch-engaging element i l to connect to fast speed or rapid drive to the table if], whereupon the table rotates to the right; that is, in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2. The table it continues to rotate until either the stop push button switch ibil or one of the feed or rapid left push button switches li t, H6 is depressed, breaking the holding or maintaining circuit for right rapid relay H2.

The table it is caused to rotate in the opposite direction; that is, to the left at fast or rapid speed by depressing the fast or rapid left push button switch lit. The circuits established are similar to those previously referred to. The depressing of rapid left push button switch ilil -first opens its normally-closed contacts til, F23 stopping the table if it happens to be rotating in the opposite direction either at feed or rapid speeds and then closes its normally open contacts 226, 724?. The closing of contacts 2%, 2st establishes a circuit from the line llil through clamp safety switch Ht, wire i22, bolt safety switch iii, wire i22 normally closed contacts lil', H3 of feed right push button switch H3, wire W2, normally closed contacts ltt, its of rapid right push button switch i it, wire E95, now closed contacts 2 55, 2 of rapid left push button switch H6, wire 2%, operating solenoid 255 of rapid left relay i233, wire i3 5, and overload relays i352, N53 to line 52!.

Energization of operating solenoid 258 of rapid left relay its closes the normally open contacts 2% and 252, 253 and 25 i, 255 and 2255 thereof. The closing of contacts 25!, establishes a holding circuit around the rapid left push button switch 2 it from the wire lit-5 through normally closed contacts fill, iii of stop push button switch i5 3, wire 2 l2, now closed contacts Bill of selector switch H2, wire 252, now closed contacts 252, 252 of relay 183 to wire $35. This holding circuit maintains the operating solenoid of relay $83 energized even though the rapid left push button switch HE is released.

The closing of contacts 253, of relay Hi3 establishes a circuit from the line H9 through the now closed contacts 253, 25%, wire 2%, operating solenoid ill of motor forward relay 2E8, wire i 55 and overload relays i38, l l to line iZl. Energization of the operating solenoid 2 ll of relay ZlS closes its normally open contacts 225 and 22h 222 and 223, Bit and 225 connecting the motor 25 to the lines H9, I28 and l2l in such a manner that the motor 25 runs in the forward direction. The motor continues to run until the stop push button switch 54 or one of the feed or rapid right push button switches H3, H5 is depressed.

Simultaneously with the closing of contacts 253, 254 rapid relay l83 and the starting of the drive motor 25, the closing of contacts 255i, 256 of the same relay establishes a circuit from the line lg through the now closed contacts 255, 256, wire M5 and rapid clutch solenoid it to line 12! operating the clutch-engaging element M to connect to fast speed or rapid drive to the table as whereupon the table rotates to the left. The table it continues to rotate in a clockwise direction until either the stop push. button switch 554 or one of the feed or rapid right push button switches H3, I is is depressed, breaking the holding or maintaining circuit for rapid right relay m3.

Automatic operation For automatic operation of the table, the selector switch i :2 is spaced or set in automatic position. With the selector switch H2 set for automatic position, the table can be moved in either direction at rapid speed, automatically slowed down to feed speed and subsequently automatically stopped in a predetermined position by pressing one or the other of the rapid push button switches H5, H6. Assuming that rapid right push button switch H5 is depressed, this opens the normally closed contacts 593, its thereof and closes its normally open contacts 236, 23!. The closing of contacts 23c, 23| energizes the operating solenoid 233 of right rapid relay ill? and causes the motor 25 to drive the table at rapid speed toward the right in a manner already described except that in this instance the holding circuit for rapid right relay lit includes normally closed contacts 263, 2st of relay 255 in series circuit between the wires E55, 232 with contacts 234, 235 of relay I18.

The motor continues to rotate to drive the table toward the right at rapid speed until the pointed end of the feeler member 94 drops into one of the graduations 8! thereby actuating the switch 55 to close its normally open contacts 2%, 23?. This establishes a circuit from the line its through the now closed contacts 266, 261 of switch 95, wire 268, operating solenoid Bill of relay Zl'l to line I21. li'nergization of the operating solenoid are of relay 265 opens its normally closed contacts 2%, 264 and closes its normally open contacts 2'52, As previously stated, the normally closed contacts 263, 264 are in the holding circuit for rapid right relay H8 and the opening thereof disoontinues rotation of the table it toward the right at rapid speed but rotation of the table is continued at feed speed by the closing or normally open contacts 272, 273 in shunt circuit across the wires i23, 532 with the normally open contacts we, l3! of feed right push button switch H3. As soon as the point of feeler member 5 3 rides up out of the graduation 9!, contacts 26%, 267 of switch 95 open deenergizing operating solenoid 21E? of relay 255 and reopening contacts 212, 213.

The closing of contacts 212, 273 of relay 2?! is the equivalent of depressing the feed right push button switch 1 l 3 and the table continues to rotate in the same direction as before but at feed speed. The circuits are the same as though the feed right push button switch had been depressed and released except that the holding circuit for feed right relay I34 now includes normally closed contacts 214, 225 of relay 275 in series circuit with normally closed contacts E52, of stop push button. switch E55- and contacts Me of feed right relay across the Wires E29 and N52. The table continues to rotate at feed speed until the graduation immediately folioing the graduation 9! which actuated the switch comes under the object lens of the telescope and fills the field of View of the microscope hi5 thereby shutting off the light to the photoelectric or light cell 2?? at the eyepiece of the microscope. The light cell 2?? is preferably operatively connected to the solenoid 289 of relay 2% through an electronic tube amplifier, designated generally 28!, in such a manner that the operating solenoid 28s is energized when the light is cut off the photoelectric cell.

The table it] may be automatically indexed to the next position to the right by again depressin rapid right push button switch i it and maintaining it depressed until the ieeler t l has passed the graduation ill immediately following the graduation 953 which determined the last index position. holding the switch 355 depressed until after the switch til has closed and opened, the feed clutch solenoid "52 will not be energized thereby because the normally closed contacts H6, ill of rapid right relay l'iil will be open as long as the rapid right push button switch H5 is held depressed. The microswitch is preferably an extremely sensitive one and stays closed only while the point of the feeler $4 is bottomed in the graduation 85, the construction preferably being such that any movement of the periphery of the table it in excess of .001" in either direction from the position in which the ieeler centers in the graduation will open the switch.

The table it ma be automatically indexed in the opposite direction; that is, toward the left in a similar manner by depressing the rapid left push button switch ii. In this instance, the holding circuit for rapid left relay Hi3 includes normally closed contact 282, 283 of relay 2H in series circuit with contacts 25!, 252 of relay I83 across the wires 212, 2&8. When the point on the follower 84 drops into a graduation ill with the table rotating toward the left it actuates switch 95 to energize the operating solenoid Eli? of relay 2H and close the normally open contacts 284, 285 thereof which are in shunt circuit with the normally open contacts tilt, lQl or" the feed left push button switch i it across the wires I95, 196-. In this instance, the holding circuit for feed left relay Elli) includes the normally closed contacts 285, 28? of relay 275, which contacts open to stop the rotation of the table when a graduation 9Q shuts off the light to the photoelectric cell 2'57.

The table it may b automatically indexed to the next position to the left by again depressing the rapid left push button switch H5 and holding it depressed until the feeler mem er 943 has passed the graduation 9! immediately following the graduation at which determined the last indexed position. By holding the switch lit depressed until after the switch 95 has closed and again opened, the feed clutch solenoid l2 will not be energized by the closing of the switch 35 because the normally closed contacts 28! 282 of the rapid left relay E83 will be open as long as the rapid left push button switch H5 is held depressed.

In the embodiment herein shown and. de

scribed, the invention is applied to or incorporated in a rotatable work supporting table; however, it will be apparent that it is equally applicable to or may be incorporated in a linearly movable work supporting table and to other types of apparatus other than a work support; for example, it may be used to index a tool head to one or a plurality of positions. The invention is particularly applicable where it is desirable to machine or otherwise treat a plurality of duplicate parts. The necessary graduations can be produced on a suitable band by an appropriate device and the band subsequently attached to the Work table. The band can be removed and other bands having different graduations suitable for machining different articles substituted therefor. The original band can be saved and reapplied to the machine, if desired.

With the present invention, it is not necessary that the machine operator be a skilled machinist. The bands can he graduated and applied to the machines by a setup man who is a skilled machinist and, thereafter, the machine operator merely needs to depress the proper push button switch and the machine will automatically index to the proper position. If desired, an indicating light 2% in series circuit with the normally open contacts 29!, 292 of relay 276 can be connected across the lines H9, 52! to indicate to the operator when the device is in th proper position to start the machining operation; for examplathe boring bar feed, in the event the table shown is employed with a boring machine. Alternatively the control can be incorporated in the control for the machine proper so that the feed or other desired operation will be automatically started when the work table has indexed to the proper position. As a still further refinement, the indexing of the work table to the next index position may be automatically started by the retraction of the tool a predetermined distance from the work or upon the occurrence of some other operation by the use of suitable switches or the like controlled by or in relation to the movement of the tool support or carrier, etc.

The present invention also contemplates the use of either the feeler operated microswitch mechanism or the photoelectric cell arrangement shown for stopping a work table or the like at a predetermined position where the table is moved at only one speed. In this event, the lower scale or second row of graduations B would be omitted and the table started to the next index position by depressing one of the feed push button switches instead of the rapid traverse push button switches. As examples of further alternative constructions, a photoelectric cell may be employed with the second row of graduations B in place of the mechanically operated switch disclosed or a feeler operated microswitch similar to that shown may be employed with the first or upper row of graduations in place of the photoelectric cell mechanism. The combination of the feeler mechanism comprising the parts 53 and 96 and the microswitch 95 is in the nature of a surface analyzer and any suitable surface analyzer may be substituted therefor; for example, one employing a piezoelectric unit or a tracer element similar to that shown in U. S. patent to Kuehni et al. No. 2,410,295. Alternatively, any desired surface, such as, opaque lines on a transparent film, hereinafter again referred to, or a magnetizable wire or tape, such as employed in conventional wire or tape recorders provided with graduations or indicia in the form of magnetized sections, may be used in combination with suitable surface analysing or pickup mechanism.

The scales which control the stopping of the table instead of being directly carried by the table, as are the scales A and B shown, may be the scales upon graduated dials or drums in directly connected to the table as being connected to a shaft operatively connected to the table, such as the shaft 85. In this event, prefer ably. two dials are employed, one of which makes a single revolution for the entire movement of the table or part to be indexed and the other a plurality of revolutions for each revolution of the first and graduated in fractions of an inch or degree, as the case may be. Dials or this general character are shown in a number of issued patents, such as Patent No. 1,769,938, Hazelton Patent No. 2,071,452, and Lucas et al. Patent No. 2,850, l74. In the event dials of the character referred to are employed, the electrical control circuits can be interlocked so that the feed will not be started every time a graduation upon the second dial corresponding with the scale A passes underneath the microscope but will be started at the proper time. As a further alternative construction, transparent scales or dials may be employed and illuminated from behind and in many instances this may be preferred over the particular form shown wherein the control indications or graduations appear on a highly reiiective polished surface.

The present invention can also be employed to index a member in a plurality of directions or two members relatively movable in two directions, such as the movable work table and spindle head of a horizontal boring machine. In this event, one or the other of the members may be indexed to the proper position by manually or automatically starting the cycle of operations and the second member simultaneously or successively indexed to its position by manually or automatically starting its cycle of operations.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the objects heretofore enumerated and others have been accomplished and that there has been provided a novel and improved mechanism which can be accurately indexed automatically to a predetermined position. While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in considerable detail, the invention is not limited to the particular construction shown and it is my intention to cover hereby all adaptations, modifications and uses thereof which come Within the practice of those skilled in the art to which it belongs and the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In combination with a machine or the like having a supp "ing member, a member movably supported upon supporting member in dexable in. one direction to a plurality of successive stop positions and multiple speed power actuated means for moving said last-named member relative to said supporting member; electric switch means for reducing the speed of and stopping said power actuated means, a gauge member having signal means thereon for each of said positions for transmitting a control impulse through free space, signal detection means responsive to said signal means for effecting the operation of said switch means as said member approaches either of said positions to first reduce the speed of said supported member and subsequently stop said supported member at the position, means for directly connecting said gauge member to one of said first two mentioned members, and means for operatively connecting said signal detection means to the other of said first two mentioned :i mbers whereby said signal and said signal detecting means are moved relative to each other in timed relation to relative movement between said members.

2. In combination with a machine or the like having a supporting member, a member movably supported upon said supporting member and indexable in one direction to a plurality of suc cessive stop positions and multiple speed power actuated means for moving said iastmamed member relative to said supporting member; electric switch means for reducing the speed of and stopping said power actuated means, switch operating electromagnetic radiation signal means for each of said positions, signal detection means responsive to said switch operating signal means for effecting the operation of said witch means as said member approaches either of said positions to first reduce the speed of said supported member and subsequently stop said supported member at the position, means for directly connecting said switch operating electromagnetic radiation signal means to one of said first two mentioned members, and means for operatively connecting said si nal detection means to the other of said first two mentioned members whereby said signal means and said signal detecting means are moved relative to each other in timed relation to relative movement between said members.

3. In combination with a machine or the like having a supporting member, a member niovably supported upon said supporting member and indexable in one direction to a plurality of successive stop positions and multiple speed power actuated means for moving said last-named member relative to said supporting member; electric switch means for reducing the speed of and stopping said power actuated means, signal means comprising alternate light and dark areas, signal detection means comprising a photoelectric cell responsive to said light and darl: areas for efiecting the operation of said switch means as said member approaches either of said posi tions to first reduce the speed or" said supported member and subsequently stop said supported member position, means for directly connecting said signal means to one of said first two mentioned members, and means for connecting said signal detection means to the other of said first two mentio led members whereby said signal means and said signal detecting means are moved relative to each other in timed relation to relative movement between said members.

a. In combination with a machine tool or the like having a supporting member, a member movably supported upon said supporting member and indexable in one direction to a plurality of successive stop positions and multiple speed power actuated means for moving said last-named member relative to said supporting member; electric switch means for reducing the speed of and stopping said power actuated means, a gauge member having a plurality of spaced signal means thereon, signal detection means responsive to said signal means while mechanically spaced therefrom for effecting the operation of said switch means as said member approaches a stop position to first reduce the speed of said supported member and subsequently stop said supported member at the position, means for directly connecting said gauge member to one of said first two mentioned. members, and means for operatively connecting said signal detection means to the other of said first two m ntioned members whereby said signal means and said signal detecting means are moved relative to each other in timed relation to relative movement between said members.

5. In combination with a machine tool or the like having a supporting member, a member movably supported upon said supporting member and indexable in one direction to a plurality of successive stop positions and multiple speed power actuated means for moving said lastnamed member relative to said supporting member; electric switch means for reducing the speed of and stopping said power actuated means, a gauge member having signal means formed integral therewith, signal detection means responsive to said signal means for effecting the operation of said switch means as said member approaches a stop position to change the speed of said power means and subsequently stop said supported member at the position, means for directly connecting said gauge member to one or" said first two mentioned members, and means for operatively connecting said signal detection means to the other of said first two mentioned members whereby said signal means and said signal detecting means are moved relative to each other in timed relation to relative movement between said members.

6. In combination with a machine tool or the like having a supporting member, a member movably supported upon said supporting member and indexable in one direction to a plurality of successive stop positions and multiple speed power actuated means for moving said last-named member relative to said supporting member; electric switch means for reducing the speed of and stopping said power actuated means, a gauge member having a plurality of spaced signal means formed integral therewith, signal detection means responsive to each of said signal means as said member approaches a stop position for effecting the operation of said switch means to change the speed of said power means and subsequently stop said supported member at the position, means for directly and detaohably connecting said gauge member to one or" said first two mentioned members, and means for operatively connecting said signal detection means to the other of said first two mentioned members whereby said signal means and said signal detecting means are moved relative to each other in timed relation to relative movement between said members.

'7. In combination with a machine tool or the like having a supporting member, a member movably supported upon said supporting member and indexable in one direction to a plurality of successive stop positions and multiple speed power actuated means for moving said last-named member relative to said supporting member; electric switch means for reducing the speed of and stopping said power means, a first signal means for each of said positions, a first signal detection means responsive to said first signal means for elfecting the operation of said switch means to reduce the speed of said power means, a second signal means for each of said positions, a second signal detection means responsive to said second signal means for effecting operation of said switch means to stop said supported member, means for directly connecting said first and second signal means to one of said first two mentioned members, and means for operatively connecting said first and second signal detection means to the other of said first two mentioned members whereby said signal means and said detecting means are moved relative to each other in timed relation to relative movement between said members.

8. In combination with a machine tool or the like having a supporting member, a member movably supported upon said supporting member and indexable in one direction to a plurality of successive stop positions and multiple speed power actuated means for moving said last-named member relative to said supporting member; electric switch means for reducing the speed of and stopping said power actuated means, a first switch operating signal means for each of said positions, a first signal detection means responsive to said first switch operating signal means for effecting the operation of said switch means to reduce the speed of said power means, a second switch operating signal means for each of said positions comprising alternate light and dark areas, a second signal detection means comprising a photoelectric cell responsive to said light and dark areas for effecting operation of said switch means to stop said supported member, means for directly connecting said first and second switch operating signal means to one of said first two mentioned members, and means for operatively connecting said first and second signal detection means to the other of said first two mentioned members whereby said signal means and said detecting means are moved relative to each other in timed relation to relative movement between said members.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,656,313 Blood et al Jan. 1'7, 1928 1,868,016 Marsilius et al July 19, 1932 2,259,574 Lillquist Oct. 21, 1941 2,308,709 Newman Jan. 19, 1943 2,329,756 Granberg et al. Sept. 21, 1943 2,438,098 Tandler et a1 Mar. 16, 1948 2,443,278 Stratton June 15, 1948 2,469,594 Danforth May 10, 1949 

